Why a Dentist in Buford Strongly Recommends Flossing

Smiling Person Flossing

Despite an irresponsible news story published a few years ago that planted seeds of doubt in the public consciousness, a reputable dentist in Buford still strongly recommends daily flossing as an essential part of preserving and maintaining oral health. The process of chewing forces food particles into the spaces in between teeth. Brushing is effective at cleaning off the outer surfaces of the teeth but cannot penetrate the spaces in between. Only flossing can get into those spaces to remove those particles, which makes it as important, if not more so, to dental care as brushing.

What can happen when patients do not floss?

Not flossing can contribute to multiple problems in the mouth, such as bad breath, cavities and periodontal disease.

Bad breath

Food particles that remain trapped between teeth attract bacteria. The food particles feed the bacteria, which then give off byproducts with an unpleasant odor. This is one of the most common causes of bad breath.

Cavities

The bacteria that feed on the leftover food particles and produce bad breath can also release an acid. When not removed by brushing and flossing, the acid can cause cavities by eating away at the outer surface of the teeth.

Gum disease

The bacteria that gathers in the mouth to feed on leftover food particles between the teeth can also cause periodontal infections. The term “periodontal” refers to the soft structures that surround and hold the teeth in place, particularly the gums. Periodontal infection can cause the following problems:
  • Gingivitis
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss
Not only that, but the bacteria that cause periodontal infection can also spread to other parts of the body and cause other major problems. Though more research is needed, there may be a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, stomach cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

How does a dentist in Buford recommend flossing?

Flossing is important, but it is also necessary to floss the right way to get the full effect and avoid difficulties. Here are a few helpful hints from established dental professionals:

1. Do not use unusual objects

Flossing should only be performed with dental floss or other tools expressly designed for the purpose, such as dental picks. Some people “floss” their teeth with whatever they may have handy, such as cutlery, fingernails or folded paper. This is unhygienic and could bring the risk of injury or disease. It is not worth the risk.

2. Consider different types of floss

Even when only considering tools specifically developed for the purpose of flossing, there are many options available. Which works best will depend on individual patient preference, but patients who wish to avoid the cutting and bleeding that can result from fine floss may consider wider types of floss such as tape or ribbon varieties. These types also tend to feel more comfortable in a person’s hand and clean better due to the wider surface area.

3. Floss at least daily

In a perfect world, flossing would take place after every meal, but the minimum recommendation is at least once per day. How often a patient flosses is more important that when. In other words, it makes no difference whether a patient flosses in the morning or at night, before or after brushing.

Conclusion

When a dentist in Buford recommends flossing, take it seriously. The dentist is backed up by the American Dental Association and evidence-based dentistry that demonstrates fewer oral problems in patients who floss. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

 
Does Pineapple Juice Help with Wisdom Teeth?

Does Pineapple Juice Help with Wisdom Teeth?

TLDR: Yes, pineapple juice may help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal due to bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s not a miracle cure—moderation is key, and it should be used alongside proven recovery methods. Pineapple Juice and Wisdom Teeth Recovery: What’s the Hype? If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve […]

Do You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening Strips?

Do You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening Strips?

TLDR; Yes, you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips—but wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Brushing too soon can damage softened enamel and increase sensitivity. What Are Whitening Strips and How Do They Work? Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a peroxide-based gel. When applied to your […]

How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery

How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Recovery

TLDR; To speed up wisdom teeth recovery, focus on preserving the blood clot, minimizing swelling, and maintaining gentle oral hygiene. Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours, follow a soft-food diet, stay hydrated, avoid straws or smoking, and rest with your head elevated. The Wisdom Teeth Recovery Timeline: What to Expect and When Recovery […]

Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Every Day?

Why Are My Teeth Yellow When I Brush Them Every Day?

TLDR; Even if you brush your teeth daily, they can still appear yellow due to enamel thinning, genetic factors, lifestyle habits like coffee or tobacco use, or internal stains that brushing can’t remove. Brushing helps with surface stains, but not all discoloration is due to poor hygiene or lack of effort. Understanding Why Teeth Stay […]

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Teeth

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Teeth

TLDR; Coffee stains teeth because it contains tannins that bind to enamel. You can remove these stains with at-home remedies like baking soda or activated charcoal, or through professional treatments such as in-office whitening. Prevent stains by rinsing after drinking coffee and maintaining good oral hygiene. Why Does Coffee Stain Teeth? Coffee contains tannins—natural compounds […]

Can You Drink Coffee After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Can You Drink Coffee After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; No, you should not drink coffee immediately after wisdom teeth removal. It’s safest to avoid it for the first 3 days to prevent complications like dry socket. After that, you may gradually reintroduce lukewarm, non-acidic coffee depending on your healing progress and your dentist’s advice. Coffee After Oral Surgery: What You Need to Know […]

General Question

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast